What wetsuit for surfing in Chile
Water from about 12 °C in July to 20 °C in February, from the sea temperature at 20 surf spots.
| Month | Water | Wetsuit |
|---|---|---|
| January | 14–20 °C | 🧤 5/4 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| February | 14–20 °C | 🧤 5/4 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| March | 14–20 °C | 🧤 5/4 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| April | 13–18 °C | 🧤 5/4 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| May | 13–18 °C | 🧤 5/4 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| June | 12–17 °C | 🧤 5/4 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| July | 12–17 °C | 🧤 5/4 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| August | 13–18 °C | 🧤 5/4 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| September | 13–18 °C | 🧤 5/4 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| October | 13–17 °C | 🧤 5/4 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| November | 13–18 °C | 🧤 5/4 mm hooded boots + gloves |
| December | 14–18 °C | 🧤 5/4 mm hooded boots + gloves |
By region
The coast is not one temperature: the coldest and warmest month in each region.
| Region | Coldest | Warmest |
|---|---|---|
| O'Higgins | July: 12 °C, 5/4 mm hooded | January: 16 °C, 4/3 mm fullsuit |
| Valparaíso | July: 12 °C, 5/4 mm hooded | January: 17 °C, 4/3 mm fullsuit |
| Tarapacá | June: 17 °C, 4/3 mm fullsuit | February: 20 °C, 3/2 mm fullsuit |
Surf towns
Questions
What wetsuit do I need to surf in Chile in winter?
The sea is about 14–20 °C from December to February: a 5/4 mm hooded (boots + gloves).
What wetsuit do I need to surf in Chile in summer?
About 12–18 °C from June to August: a 5/4 mm hooded.
Can I surf in boardshorts in Chile?
No: the water stays under 24 °C (at most about 20 °C in February), so a wetsuit all year.
Do I need boots, gloves or a hood in Chile?
In the coldest months, yes: about 12 °C in July calls for boots + gloves.